Mamelodi Sundowns appear to be calling out Al Ahly’s bluff by launching their own sensational bid for their record signing and vice-captain.
The Egyptian giants have been persistent in their approach of Downs talisman Gaston Sirino, who is understood to be keen to reunite with former coach Pitso Mosimane even after committing to a long term future with Masandawana.
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On Tuesday, insiders at Chloorkop informed the Siya crew that no formal bid from Al Ahly for Sirino had yet been accepted, though indications were that the Uruguayan could strongarm the club into allowing him to leave.
Sirino, 29, penned a new five-year contract with Downs back in June.
Now, in what appears to be a strong message to their Egyptian counterparts – and maybe even mind games, the Siya crew understands that the Brazilians have launched a whopping $3-million (R48-million) bid for Hussein El Shahat, who is Al Ahly’s record signing.
Downs have also submitted an offer of around $2-million (R32-million) for his teammate and vice-captain, Ayman Ashraf, this week!
The chances of this deal for the duo going through are extremely slim, which suggests this is a message to Al Ahly from Sundowns to say they, too, have the means to unsettle their star players by luring them to the Premier Soccer League.
Shahat joined the Egyptian giants in January last year from Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates for an unbelievable $5-million (R80-million) and is their most prized asset.
There were reports suggesting Al Ahly offered Downs nearly R50-million for Sirino, but these were not verified by Siya sources.
Read: Downs' Sirino Transfer Conundrum?
Attempts by the Siya crew to get comment from Amir Tawfik, who handles football contracts at Al Ahly, proved futile since Tuesday afternoon.
It’s an intriguing twist to this transfer saga and one that will probably play out until the transfer window in Mzansi closes at the end of this month, while the Egyptian one slams shut on December 6.
This is why the period is labelled “silly season” as reports in Egypt have also surfaced on this unlikely deal.
Story by @superjourno
